In his Dreamscapes series, Los Angeles native Anthony Samaniego photographs his beloved city using a palette of pastels and muted rainbows, transforming the sprawling metropolis into a candy-colored paradise. His multiple exposure images are captured from the hills of Glendale at dusk, when L.A. is already softened by the rays of the setting sun. Through the viewfinder of his old Mamiya camera, the photographer focuses on glittering lights, hazy outlines, and saturated hues, which he tweaks to a faded neon perfection in post-production. Shown in this light, the city is brought to life in a uniquely stunning way.

Samaniego, who graduated with a degree in economics before turning to a career in art and design, says the impulse behind his L.A.-focused photos is a personal mission. “I really wanted a photo of L.A. for my apartment, and every one I looked at didn’t look quite right,” he told the Los Angeles Times. “I became obsessed, to shoot the right photo of L.A. I’m still searching.”